Archery score determining means and process



April 30, 1968 A s. o. ROULEAU ARCHERY SCORE DETERMINING MEANS ANDPROCESS Filed Feb. 17. 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 oz ges Grab Eou/ea a BY WMM$544M 1 A rvwwsy pril 30. 1968 G. o. ROULEAU 3,380,171

ARCHERY SCORE DETERMINING MEANS AND PROCESS Filed Feb. 17. 1966 2Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Geo .9 01470 Pod/em HIS ATTORAQQK United StatesPatent 3,380,171 ARCHERY SCQRE DETERMINING MEANS AND PRGCESS Georges()vila Rouleau, 19104 Woodcrest, Harper Woods, Mich. 48236 Filed Feb.17, 1966, Ser. No. 528,124 8 Claims. (Cl. 33-474) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE An archery score determining gage in the form of a disc-likemember having a set of arrow shaft engaging sockets indented from anddisposed around one-half of its circumferential edge and an oppositelypositioned set of corresponding sockets indented from and disposedaround the other half of its circumferential edge. The sockets of eachset are formed on a circular arc, the radii of which are different andequal, respectively, to that of different size arrow shafts. Thecorresponding matching, oppositely positioned, sockets of each set aredisposed on a respective diameter of the disc-like member and spacedapart from their centers equal to the radial distance betweenimmediately adjacent target boundaries.

My invention relates to archery.

The principal object of my invention is the provision of archery scoredetermining means and process by which accurate determination can bemade as to the proper score value to be assigned to an arrow embedded inan archery target in questionable score position on the target face.

The foregoing object of my invention and its advantages will becomeapparent during the course of the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of an archery target having arrows embeddedtherein in questionable score positions and showing an archery scoredetermining gage ac cording to my invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, are front and rear elevational views ondifferent scales of said embodiment;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are opposite side elevational views of said embodiment;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are sectional views of said embodiment taken,respectively, on the lines 88 and 99 thereof;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 1 showing another archeryscore determining gage according to my invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a different portion of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are front and side elevational views, respectively, ofsaid other gage.

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and first to FIGS. 1 through9, 11 designates a portion of an archery target having a target facethereon which, in the instance, corresponds with the Ofiicial P.A.A.(Professional Archers Association) Indoor Target Face which is made upof concentric circles 12, 13, 14 and 15 of progressively larger diameterbounding areas having different score values. Such areas comprise acenter circular area designated 5 corresponding to the score valueassigned thereto and annular areas surrounding said center areadesignated 4, 3, 2 and 1, respectively, corresponding to theirrespective score values. The center circular area 5 is white and theannular areas 4, 3, 2 and 1 are black. The double line for eachconcentric circle indicates the thin (60 thousandths of an inch) whiteband separating adjacent black annular areas.

Patented Apr. 30, 1968 An arrow 18 is embedded in the target 11 in aquestionable score position closely adjoining the circular boundary 12between the center area 5 and the immediately adjacent annular area 4.Similarly, an arrow 20 is embedded in the target 11 in anotherquestionable score position closely adjoining the circular boundary 13between immediately adjacent annular areas 4 and 3. Against each sucharrow is shown an archery score determining gage according to myinvention, generally designated 25, to gage in the case of the arrow 18whether it is wholly with in the annular area 4 (in which case theproper score value to be assigned to the arrow is 4) or whether it ispartly in both the annular area 4 and the center area 5 (in which casethe proper score value to be assigned to the arrow is 5) and to gage inthe case of the arrow 20 whether its proper score value is 3 or 4 (i.e.whether it is wholly within the annular area 3 or whether it is partlyin both the annular areas 4 and 3).

The gage 25 is in the form of a disc-like member which has a set ofshaft engaging sockets 27 disposed around one half of its circumferenceand a set of other sockets 29 disposed around the other half. The set ofsockets 27 are numbered from 4, 5, etc. through 9, 0, in the instance,to accommodate different size arrow shafts whose diameters vary frometc. through of an inch. The set of sockets 29 correspond to the samesize arrow shafts and are similarly numbered from 4, 5, etc. through 9,0. Corresponding sockets of the two sets of sockets 27 and 29 arediametrically disposed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the opposingsockets 6, 6 being used to determine the proper score value to beassigned to the arrow 18. (Although the socket numbers are omitted inFIG. 1 because of the scale thereof the opposing sockets 0, G are shownbeing used to determine the proper score value for the arrow 20.) Thediametric distance between opposing sockets vary as will be explainedand as shown for the sockets 0, 0 and 4, 4 in FIGS. 8 and 9 (which aresectional views through the centers of such sockets and respectivediameters of the gage 25) from which it can be seen that the diametricdistance between the opposing sockets 0, 0 is less than that betweenopposing sockets 4, 4. This is bcause the sockets t), 0 accommodate alarger diameter (viz. or 7 of an inch) arrow shaft than that (viz. or Aof an inch) accommodated by the sockets 4, 4. The diametric distancebetween respective opposing sockets is a predetermined distance(depending upon the particular target face) less the diameter of thearrow shaft which they accommodate. This predetermined distance is theradial distance on the target face between concentric circles which ismost always constant (within the tolerances normally expected in theprinting of target faces on paper and the like) and equal to 1.600inches in the case of the Ofiicial P.A.A. Indoor Target Face shown inFIG. 1. The diametric distance between respective opposing sockets ismeasured between the low points thereon, such as the low points 31 and33, shown for opposing sockets 6, 6 in FIGS. 3A and 3B and along adiameter of the gage 25. Another way of defining the distance betweenopposing sockets is by use of their centers since in any case ofrespective opposing sockets the distance between their centers is alwaysequal to such predetermined distance, i.e. the constant radial distancebetween concentric circles on the target face. This is because toaccommodate a particular arrow shaft the opposing sockets are eachformed on a circular arc the radius of which is equal (actually a fewthousandths oversize as is usually the case with 0D. gages) to that ofsuch shaft.

The gage 25 has a flat back face 26 which is annular, in the instance,as shown in FIG. 5 so that in use the gage lies flat on the target face.The gage is used as best shownin FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B in conjunction witharrow 18 by moving it fiat on the target face so that in the case of thearrow 18 (which is a No. 6 arrow) the socket 6 of the set of sockets 27tangentially engages the shatt of the arrow 18. The gage is then swungabout the center of such shaft in sliding engagement therewith asindicated by the dotted outline position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A for thegage 25 which causes the socket 6 of the set of sockets 29 to be swungabout the same center as indicated by the dotted outline positions forthe gage shown in FIG. 3B. The sight opening provided by the socket 6 asshown in FIG. 3B is observed to determine if at the low point 33 anyportion of the circle 13 appears. If it does this means that the arrow18 is embedded partly in the area (which includes the circle 12) as wellas in the area 4 in which case the proper score value to be assignedthereto is 5. The coverage of the area 4 by the gage 25 as it is swungabout the center of the shaft of the arrow 18 is at a maximum when thelow point 33 is swung through a radius of the target face passingthrough such arrow shaft center. The radius 32 shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and3B shows this point of sighting which is readily seen by watching at thelow point 33 of the sight opening provided by the socket 6 as shown inFIG. 3B and observing when the minimum amount of the area 4 and of thecircle 13 appears as previously explained. 'If at such point of sightingnone appears, then the arrow 18 is embedded wholly within the area 4 inwhich case the properly assignable score value is 4. To be sure, forexample, that the arrow 18 is a number 6 arrow (i.e. that its diameteris or A of an inch), it can be first checked by placing into tangentialengagement with the shaft .thereof the socket 6 of the set of sockets29. This socket like the others of the set 29 contains at least about135 degrees of circular arc so that it can function as an OD. gage. Thevalue of this is that each user of the gage 25 can check hi opponentsarrow size and each referee can check the arrow size of any contestant.No one has to rely on what he is told concerning the size arrow anotherparty is shooting. The sockets of the set 27 have no gaging function anddo not require such extent of circular are. In fact each contains onlyabout 45 degrees of circular are so that in swinging the gage 25 aboutthe shaft of the arrow whose score value is in question there will be aminimum of interference from closely spaced arrows particularly thosewhich are embedded in the target askew to the target face. For the samereason the thickness from the back face 26 of the set of sockets 27 tothe front face thereof, as at 34, is thinner than that of the set ofsockets 29, the front face of which is indicated at 36. The centersection of the gage 25 is raised from the flat back face 26 and providedwith a central aperture 38 to facilitate moving the gage on the targetface.

The gage 25 shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 and just described spans oneannular area and gages to the next larger concentric circle from thatwhich the arrow adjoins whose score value is in question. Following theforegoing teaching the gage 25 could be modified to span two or moreannular areas and gage to any concentric circle. The gage 25 is anoutside gage in that in use it is disposed outside the concentric circleadjoined by the arrow whose score value is in question. Following theforegoing teaching the gage could be modified to function as an insidegage so that in use it would be disposed inside the concentric circleadjoined by such arrow in questionable score position. For example, thegage 25 is not constructed to check arrows in questionable scoreposition less than 2 (an inside gage would be able to check arrowshaving possible score values of 1). This is because the gage 25 idesigned for tournament shooting in which higher score values are therule. In such cases there is never much question about arrows havingpossible score values of 1. The biggest problem is determining arrowshaving possible score values of 3, 4 and 5. Presently in archery theunaided eye is used to determine score values and in most casesdetermination is by guess particularly where the circular boundary ischewed up from embedment of arrows. It is not uncommon for an arrow totear up a portion of a circular boundary as it embeds itself in thetarget. The circle which defines the bulls eye, such as circle 12 shownin FIG. 1, is the one that is subjected to the greatest abuse intournament shooting. The gage 25 is unaffected by the condition of thiscircle 12 for checking an arrow such as the arrow 18 but, of course, isdependent upon a readable condition of that portion of the circle 13opposite the arrow, i.e. in the area where the radius 32 crosses thecircle 13. It is not too likely that this portion of the circle would bechewed up but if it is it can be reconstructed even if from a separateclear plastic member bearing arcs of the circles 12 through 15 whichwould be thin enough to slide under the gage 25. If it was thought to bewarranted for this limited purpose a larger outside gage, e.g. spanningtwo annular areas, could be constructed. The gage 25is accurate to adegree which far surpasses the tolerances normally expected in theprinting of target faces on paper and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 10 through 13, 111 designates a portion of an archerytarget having a target face thereon which, in the instance, correspondswith the Official P.A.A. 3 foot Outdoor Target Face. The target portion111 has arrows 40 and 42 embedded therein in questionable scorepositions closely adjoining the circles 112 and 113, respectively.Against each such arrow is shown another archery score determining gageaccording to my invention, generally designated 45, to gage in the caseof the arrow 40 whether it is wholly within the annular area 4 orwhether it is in both the annular areas 4 and 5. The gage 45 is in theform of a polygon having convex arcuate sides designated 5 through 1which are circular and have radii equal, respectively, to the radii ofthe circles, such as 112 through 116 defining the target areas 5 through1 on the target face shown in part in FIG. 10. In the instance theradius of curvature of the side 5 is 3.600 inches; that of the side 4 is7.200 inches; etc. to that of the side 1 which is 18.000 inches. Thegage 45 has an annular flat back face 48 and a raised center sectionprovided with a central aperture 49 as in the case of the gage 25. Thegage 45 is used as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 by moving it flat onthe target face so that in the case of any size arrow located as shownfor the arrow 40 the convex side 5 of the gage tangentially engages theshaft of the arrow 40. If the side 4 is unable to line up with theportion of the circle 113 on each side of the arrow 40 this means thatthe latter is embedded in both of the annular areas 4 and 3 and theproper score value to be assigned to the arrow 40 is 4. If the side 4 isable to line up with such portion of the circle 113 (or move beyond itinto the area 3) this means that the arrow 42 is embedded wholly withinthe area 3 and the proper score value to be assigned thereto is 3. Otherarrows in questionable score positions adjoining other target areas canbe similarly checked with the other sides of the gage 45 by sighting toother target area boundaries such as shown in FIG. 10 for the arrow 40which is being checked with the side 5 by sighting to the circle 112.The gage 45 is an inside gage as in use as shown in FIG. 10; it isdisposed within the area, such as the area 5, which the arrow inquestion, such as the arrow 40, adjoins.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided by my inventionarchery score determining means and process in which the objecthereinabove set forth together with many thoroughly practical advantageshas been successfully achieved. My means and process are especiallyvaluable in tournament shooting where the total scores of the leadingcontestants are close and considerable prize money is divided among thetop winners. Changes may be made from the forms shown of my archeryscore determining gages without departing from the spirit of myinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Archery score determining means for determining the proper scorevalue to be assigned to an arrow embedded in an archery target inquestionable score position on the target face adjoining a target areaboundary comprising:

(a) an archery score determining gage means having shaft engaging meansfor tangentially engaging the shaft of an arrow, said shaft engagingmeans being in the form of a socket indented from an edge surface, thesocket being formed on a circular arc, the radius of which is equal tothat of said arrow shaft; and

(b) sight means provided on said gage so that said sight means isdisposed in close proximity to a target area boundary when said shaftengaging means is so engaged with said arrow shaft, the contiguity ofsaid sight means to such boundary providing accurate determination as tothe score value to be assigned to said arrow, said sight means being inthe form of a socket indented from an edge surface, the socket beingformed on a circular arc, the radius of which is equal to that of saidarrow shaft, the extent of such are being sufiicient to gage thediameter of said arrow shaft.

2. In the archery score determining means as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe said sockets are disposed on a straight line and spaced apart fromtheir centers equal to the radial distance between immediately adjacenttarget boundaries.

3. In the archery score determining means as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe gage means consists of a disc-like member having a set of shaftengaging sockets indented from and disposed around one half of itscircumference and a set of other sockets indented from and disposedaround the other half of its circumference, the sockets of each setbeing formed on a circular arc the radii of which are different andequal, respectively, to that of the different size arrow shafts.

4 In the archery score determining means as claimed in claim 3, whereinthe corresponding sockets of each set are disposed on a diameter of saidmember and spaced apart from their centers equal to the radial distancebetween immediately adjacent target boundaries.

5. In the archery score determining means as claimed in claim 4, whereinsaid disc-like member is adapted to rotate flat upon the target face andis provided with a flat back face for this purpose.

6. In an archery score determining structure, the combinationcomprising:

(a) a disc-like archery score determining gage, said gage provided witha circular circumferential peripheral edge portion; and

(b) at least one pair of diametrically opposed spaced apart open endsockets defined in said peripheral edge portion, said pair of socketshaving an arcuate configuration adapted to engage an arrow shaft of apredetermined diameter, said opposing sockets being spaced apart fromeach other between their centers a distance equal to a predeterminedradial distance between concentric circles on a target face.

7. In the archery score determining structure as claimed in claim 6,wherein one socket of said pair of sockets comprises a circular arcsufiicient to enable the said socket to act as an outside diameter gagefor an arrow shaft having a predetermined diameter.

8. In the archery score determining structure as claimed in claim 7,wherein a plurality of pairs of diametrically opposed spaced apart openend sockets are defined in said peripheral edge portion, each of saidpairs of sockets adapted to engage an arrow shaft having a differentoutside diameter.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,881,651 10/1932 Judge 33-478 X2,264,296 12/1941 Clark 33174 2,521,087 9/1950 Paulus 33174 2,667,1899/1954 Wiles 33 174 2,682,112 6/1954 Jorgensen 33174 SAMUEL S. MATTHEWS,Primary Examiner.

